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Equestrian Portugal
Equestrian Portugal is certainly related with Portugal’s existing horses, equestrian activities and products. Although there many horse breeds, from many countries, the Portuguese horse breeds and in particular the Lusitano horse plays a very prominent role in Portugal. The Lusitano horse is overall without any doubt the main horse breed reference in the Portuguese context despite for some equestrian disciplines other horse breeds from other countries have today a very important role. The Lusitano horse is very widely appreciated in Portugal due its versatility, concentration ability and docility. The Lusitano breed is also the best know Portuguese horse breed within and outside Portugal.
Sorraia and Garrano are two other Portuguese horse breeds that are very interesting to mention. The Sorraia horse plays an important role in preserving the ancient Iberian horse origins. The Sorraia horse are believed to be very similar to the ancestors from the Lusitano horse breed. Dr Ruy de Andrade, which had a very important work preserving the Portuguese heritage of horses, has discovered this horse breed in the XX century. The Garrano horse is in general related to the mountainous regions from Portugal where you still can find it today as for instance in the Peneda and Gerês National Park. The Garrano horse has an intermediate size between a horse and a pony.
Beyond the events organized for each of the equestrian disciplines which are supervised by the Portuguese Equestrian Federation (Federação Equestre Portuguesa) there are two main equestrians events that deserve a special reference: the Golegã Horse Fair (Feira Nacional do Cavalo) and the Lusitano Horse International Festival (Festival Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano). The Golegã Horse Fair which is officially called the National Horse Fair is the main horse fair in Portugal. It is held in the Golegã village in the Ribatejo region in the month of November. This Fair is a main reference for all those interested in the Lusitano horse and the equestrian activities in Portugal. Equally the Lusitano Horse International Festival is of compulsory visit for those who want to know the results from the Lusitano breeders and their studs in their breeding efforts. This Festival, which occurs in June of every year, was held in the past in Lisbon and later in Companhia das Lezírias and has been in the last few years held in Cascais at the Hipodromo Manuel Possolo.
Finally is not possible to speak about equestrian Portugal without making reference to the equestrian equipment in use. As it has been referred to the horses in Portugal, the equestrian products in use in Portugal come from several countries. However the Portuguese horses tack and riding apparel made by the Portuguese saddlemakers following the ancient Portuguese saddlemaking tradition have still have an important role. In addition, although the Portuguese horse equipment are important for preserving the Portuguese horse riding heritage they are also evolving and new models of saddles, bridles, etc. are currently available.
Tags: Equitation, Horses, Saddles